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Monday, March 1, 2010

More than just symantecs

So it is Day 1 of the No-Spend Challenge and I just got back from the grocery store. What a minefield that was!

I went with my list in hand, as I do every week, and stuck to my list. But as I was getting things, such as cereal and snacks for lunches, I realized that I am not totally sure what constitutes a "need". Yes, we need food to eat for breakfast but are strawberry flavored hay-bales really a "need"? Or is it quantity. Yogurt was on sale so I got 3 tubs - that was definitely more than we need...

I realized that this has the potential to drive me crazy and send me into my over-analytical self. I have decided not to let it. Here is what I am going to try to accomplish through this challenge:

*Sticking to my grocery list - if it's not on the list, I don't need it this week.
*Instead of meeting a friend at Starbucks, have them over for a latte instead (guess I'll finally have to learn to use our Barista).
*Making pizza from scratch instead of ordering in.
*Picking a movie off the shelf instead of going to the movie store to rent another one.
*No matter how cute those summer sandals are, it is still March in Alberta and I won't be wearing them anytime soon. They can wait.

I am sure this will be a learning experience (already has been!). Feel free to weigh in on the cereal debate and any other thoughts you might have.
I'll keep you posted as the journey progresses.

6 comments:

Geosomin said...

I'm just amused you have a barista you don't use much.

I'd be all over it :)

This sounds like a great way to make sure your priorities are in the right place $$ wise. I'm not sure I could to it...I tend to obsess over $$ as it is. I might go over the deep end...

Cindi said...

Oh we use our barista almost every day - I just have chosen to remain ignorant in how to operate it so DH has to make lattes for me...

SimplyFrugal said...

I think your goals are great! I like how you're finding alternatives to the "expensive" things! That's totally the idea. Make this your own challenge. I'm a believer in the fact that what will work for my family will not work for someone elses. Good luck!

Geosomin said...

Hee...OK that is a perfectly justifiable reason :)

I like this whole project because it forces you to look for alternatives.
I know this onth we're trying to do "healthy and from scratch" eating. And I must say...wow...buying lots of healthy from scratch food is expensive...

I think if I went on this I'd jsut end up feeling like I was back in university again as a broke student...:)
I think I need to make a list.

From The Heart Online said...

Great! Sounds like you and I have quite a bit in common :) May I invite you to check out my frugal steward blog? I think you'll see what I mean...

www.frugalsteward101.blogspot.com

Thanks!
from a fellow Canadian on a similar journey

Cindi said...

I will check it out for sure - thanks for your comments!